Earlier today, the Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, together with GHA Director General Kevin McGee, attended a presentation ceremony at the School of Health Studies to celebrate the achievements of six GHA healthcare assistants who successfully completed professional qualifications in partnership with the NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education). 

The occasion marked the awarding of five Level 2 Diplomas in Care and one Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. The qualifications, delivered in-house by the GHA’s School of Health Studies team, are designed to equip healthcare assistants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to provide high-quality care across a range of clinical and community-based settings. 

The training programme was tailored to meet the specific needs of the GHA workforce and aligned with the School’s educational framework, ensuring a consistent standard of competence and excellence among staff delivering front-line care. 

The six recipients were: 

• Tieanna Chidgey – Level 2 Diploma in Care
• Abel Jimenez – Level 2 Diploma in Care
• Jade Mamo – Level 2 Diploma in Care
• Zyanne Patterson – Level 2 Diploma in Care
• Manuel Sanchez – Level 2 Diploma in Care
• Keith Ruiz – Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care 

Principal Lecturer, Ms Noleen Jones, said: “I am pleased to present these awards, which recognise the development of skills and knowledge, and additionally acknowledge the dedication required to balance studying with the demands of everyday work.” 

GHA Director General, Kevin McGee, said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our recipients for their commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. The importance of staff training and enhancing their sectorial qualifications cannot be emphasised enough as we continuously strive to provide the best healthcare possible for our patients.” 

The Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, added: “Congratulations to all those who have successfully completed the training. Upgrading staff skills is a constant process on which we are embarked on at the GHA. I would like to thank Ms Jones and all the team at the GHA who have made this possible.”